The Division of Chemical Pathology and the NHLS offers a comprehensive dedicated routine service to both the adult and paediatric patients attending the Groote Schuur and Red Cross Children’s Hospitals. It participates actively at the laboratory/ward interface by attendance at ward rounds and clinical meetings. There is a strong specialist diagnostics and research focus on metabolic disorders of acquired and familial aetiology. Teaching commitments address both undergraduate and postgraduate needs, with several MSc, PhD and MMed students under current supervision. Research activities cover the biochemical mechanisms of ion and drug pumps, the identification of new drug targets in Tuberculosis and Leishmaniasis, the molecular genetics of inherited metabolic disorders, mitochondrial myopathies and erythrocyte antioxidant biochemistry. Divisional Statistics Permanent and Long-term Contract Staff

(Including the Gender, Health and Justice Research Unit) Head of Division: Professor L.J. Martin Divisional Profile

A range of activities related to the role of Forensic Medicine in public policy and health promotion are being pursued. These relate specifically to violence against women and children, the role of drugs and toxins in deaths, and firearm injuries. The provision of a sustainable database on violence and injury in the Cape Town Metropole is being implemented as an urgent research priority. Divisional Statistics

The mission of this Unit is to improve service provision to victims of violence against women in South Africa through research, advocacy and education. Drawing together established researchers with a strong record of social-action research in disciplines including law, criminology, forensic sciences and pathology, gynecology, and psychology, this Unit is the first of its kind in South Africa to respond to the pressing need for research and interventions that crosses disciplines in support of our efforts to address the alarmingly high levels of violence against women in this country. The Unit fulfils its mission by conducting rigorous evidence-based research into:  South African women’s experiences of sexual and gender-based violence;  The responses of women, their communities and the criminal justice, health, and welfare
 The intersections and disjunctures between health and criminal justice responses to
 The developmental context in which violence occurs, and the role of violence in
perpetuating women’s under-development;
 The implementation difficulties of translating ‘law on paper’ into ‘law in practice’ in health,
criminal justice and medico-legal settings;
 The development of indicators for monitoring the implementation of progressive
legislation and compliance by criminal justice and health sector personnel with statutory duties;
 International and local models of best practice for addressing violence against women. Unit StaffResearch Staff

Postal Address: H52 Old Main Building, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, 7935 Telephone: SA (21) 406 6022/3 Fax: SA (21) 406 6020 E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]Webpage: http://www.uct.ac.za/generic.php?m=/departments/genhealthjust/index.php CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCES DIVISION OF HAEMATOLOGY Head of Division: Professor N. Novitzky Divisional Profile The Division of Haematology at Groote Schuur Hospital is a complex unit with multidisciplinary activities that include outpatient clinics, admission beds as well as diagnostic and research laboratories. The clinical services are organised under the umbrella of the Department of Internal Medicine, while the diagnostic sections are under the broader organisation of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and NHLS. Patients with elaborate diagnostic problems, bone marrow failure or requiring stem cell transplantation are referred from all provinces; particularly the Northern and Eastern Cape and occasional y we receive referrals from foreign institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa. More recently this Division has undergone a significant transformation this year. The routine section of the laboratories that is under the control of the National Health Laboratory Service has now been rationalized and relocated into the C-floor of the hospital providing a multi-disciplinary centralized laboratory service. This physical separation from the clinical section is likely to substantially challenge the close physical and interpersonal interaction between clinical and laboratory professionals, which for many years has maintained a unified discipline. The service laboratories have been under considerable strain due to staff shortages. In the academic section, this year again, no equipment budget was available to replace critical diagnostic instruments. On a more positive note, funding has now been made available for the creation of a scientist post under the university establishment to expand our strong academic roots. The task of this scientist will be to pursue with diligence further research into the area of haematopoietic stem cell biology both at the basic sciences level in the area of stem cell transplantation and into the various forms of application to improve the understanding and treatment for haematological malignancies. Divisional Statistics Permanent and Long-term Contract Staff UCT Students Doctoral 4 Masters 8 Honours 1 Postdoctoral 1 Undergraduate 375 Total 389

(Including the MRC/UCT Human Genetics Research Unit and the CANSA Colorectal Cancer Research Consortium) Head of Division: Professor Raj S. Ramesar Divisional Profile The Division, which remains one of only two HPCSA-recognised training centres nationally, has strengthened its clinical base with two senior registrars successfully completing the Medical Genetics examinations within the College of Medicine. In recognition of international trends towards a high quality service incorporating genetic counsel ing for individuals with genetic/inherited disorders, an HPCSA-accredited MSc (Genetic Counselling) programme was established in 2003. A major aspect of the Division’s research agenda is to the identification of genes underlying disease in South African populations. These findings are meant to inform patient care and management. The Genomic Platform, for high-throughput genetic analysis involving genotyping, mutation detection and DNA sequencing, is now operational and has increased the workload within the Unit while offering spare capacity to other researchers in the Faculty of Health Sciences at UCT and the Western Cape, generally. The numbers of registered postgraduate students is unprecedented (overall this includes up to 6 BSc (Med) Hons, 5 MSc and 5 PhD students). A supportive environment has led to five postdoctoral researchers being accommodated and developed within the research facility. Apart from teaching in the medical undergraduate programme, courses are provided within the following programmes: BSc (Med) Hons, Medical Genetics subspecialist training and MSc(Genetic Counselling). In addition, the Division has an active academic programme which is comprised of CPD-accredited weekly journal clubs (Monday mornings), seminars (Tuesday midday) and clinical ‘grand rounds’ (Tuesday afternoon). Furthermore, researchers from other departments and other universities have been attracted to seek accommodation and to conduct their research in the Division and take advantage of the Human Genetics expertise and technology therein. The ongoing Retinal Disorders research project has resulted in a large and invaluable genetic registry. The most successful aspect of this project has been the recent identification of the gene underlying a dominant form of retinitis pigmentosa, which we first mapped to chromosome 17 in 1995 (Rebello et al., 2004). Research on the South African mutation, in a collaborators lab, showed promise for a novel therapeutic intervention in individuals know to be carrying the mutation. A clinical trial is currently under review. Following the identification of genetic defects underlying disease, internationally-vetted protocols have been developed for delivering diagnostic and predictive genetic testing for this group of genetic disorders. Development of such a protocol has involved active interaction, discussion and debate with patient support groups, the professional clinical care-providing fraternity, and the international RDD research community. The Colorectal Cancer Research Consortium (under the directorship of RR) had previously described a substantial burden of disease along the west coast of South Africa, due to a founder mutation. Interesting ‘anthropogenetic’ work revealed that the mutation arose some 18 generations ago. Further work in this homogeneous cohort showed that a range of additional genetic changes (modifiers) influenced the age of onset and progression of
disease. A comprehensive clinical gastroenterological screening programme in the Northern Cape has been developed on the back of the genetics research and service. Individuals shown to harbour disease-predisposing mutations are very important in testing a range of variables. The project is in the final stages of implementing the South African arm of the international CAPP (Concerted Action Polyp Prevention) study on diet-based modification of cancer risk. This work (which is not directly linked to any pharmaceutical company, but the British MRC) was attracted to South Africa because of the international publicity around the large cohort of South African families with familial colorectal cancer, in whom the predisposing genetic defect has been identified within the Division. This project is evolving naturally into other familial cancers; this niche area is going to be extremely valuable for South Africa. All of the above research has been supported by the MRC, Retina South Africa, Cansa and THRIP. The successes within the Foetal Alcohol-Related Research programme, established within the high-risk communities in the Western Cape have matured to the point of applying a substantial R01 grant through the National Institutes of Health (specifically the NIAAA). Divisional Statistics

Postal Address: Division of Human Genetics, Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, 7925, Observatory Telephone: SA (21) 406 6297 Fax: SA (21) 447 7703 E-mail: [email protected]CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCES DIVISION OF IMMUNOLOGY
(Including the MRC/UCT Immunology of Infectious Diseases Unit) Head of Division (Acting): Professor Lafras Steyn Divisional Profile 2004 has seen our MRC Unit on “Immunology of Infectious Disease characterized by high productivity with 18 international peer reviewed publications. We have maintained and extended our excellent international and local reputation in infectious diseases as well as gene targeting technology. Some of our mouse models are unique world wide, which explains a high proportion of international funding due to much foreign collaboration. The director is currently involved in seventy plus international collaborations, most of them highly productive and successful. Excitingly an MRC evaluation of “excellent” resulted in a renewal of our unit status for another five year cycle. As a member of UCT’s new Institute for Infectious Immunology and Molecular Medicine (IIDMM), we recently moved to new laboratories with expanded space and a vibrant scientific environment. Major breakthrough and success resulted from the first inducible and cell type-specific gene deficient mouse models ’Made in South Africa’ published in the high impact journal - Immunity (Herbert et al, 2004) and the – Journal of Immunology (Seki et al, 2004). We succeeded with a new technological approach to autovaccinate, to protect against autoimmune and infectious diseases. We were able to cure experimental autoimmune encephalitis (Uyttenhove, et al, 2004), a model for multiple sclerosis and protected against cutaneous leishmaniasis (Arendse et al, 2005). In tuberculosis we demonstrated that adaptive immunity to mycobacterial infection is not necessarily dependent on innate immunity, induced by Toll like receptor, published in the high impact – Journal of Clinical Investigation (Fremond et al, 2004). Impact on research output These unique mouse models are applicable in many biological fields with our focus on experimental models for human diseases. Funding/Grants: As a consequence, we were again able to attract substantial financial support from the USA (NIH/SCOR), Belgium (Flemish/NRF co-operation, Germany (DFG/BMZ/NRF co-operation, France (PICS, UK (The Wellcome Trust), NRF (South Africa) in addition to significant (10% of total income) MRC support. Capacity development / strengthened research/ Collaboration Having established a “world class” Division and MRC unit with a productive and vibrant “mix” of International and national researchers has been satisfying. Highly reputed and well-known scientists from across the globe are visiting us and broaden and challenge our minds with their high caliber ideas. PAUSET guidelines were followed. An exciting achievement is the recently awarded Bilateral Program grant from the Royal Society, UK and NRF, SA on the “Immunology in parasitic diseases”, with strong capacity development and exchange program for previously disadvantaged students. Population group and gender composition:More than 50% of our team members are from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and 50% to 60% are female. Divisional Statistics Permanent and Long-term Contract Staff

CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCES DIVISION OF MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTRY (Including the MRC/UCT Oesophageal Cancer Research Group and the MRC/UCT Research Group for Receptor Biology) Head of Division: Professor M. Iqbal Parker Divisional Profile

The Division of Medical Biochemistry is a preclinical, basic science division in the UCT Faculty of Health Sciences. Our principal functions are teaching and research.
Undergraduate teaching is in medical biochemistry to MBChB students. Postgraduate teaching includes a vigorous Honours course (within the School of Biomedical Sciences) and MSc and PhD programmes. Our research activities fall into 5 major areas: (1) Regulation of collagen gene expression; (2) proteolytic processing of membrane proteins; (3) cellular and molecular biology of breast and oesophageal cancer; (4) endocytic processing with particular emphasis on mechanisms for intracellular survival of mycobacteria; (5) molecular reproductive endocrinology. The Division also houses the Oesophageal Cancer Research Group funded by the MRC. The Group includes researchers from UCT, UNITRA, Stellenbosch and the MRC with Professor Parker as the Director. Professor Parker continues to run the U.N.E.S.C.O. Molecular and Cell Biology Network laboratory, which allows access of UNESCO funds for training of scientists from developing countries. Professor Thilo has ongoing collaborations on mycobacterial research with groups in France and Germany. A/Professor Arieh Katz and Dr Colleen Flanagan are co-directors of the MRC/UCT Research Group for Receptor Biology and still has a very active collaboration with Professor Millar who is currently Director of the MRC Reproductive Biology Unit in the United Kingdom. The Division also regularly hosts researchers from other developing countries for training in specialised techniques. Divisional Statistics Permanent and Long-term Contract Staff

Dr Bo Wang Identification of genes involved in susceptibility to oesophageal cancer Dr Bernhard J. Fromme Interaction of HIV-1 subtype C gp120 with LCRS chemokine receptor Dr Sharon Prince The role of TBX2 in the cell cycle and cancer Dr Collet Dandara Genetic polymorphisms in oesophageal cancer Dr Virna Leaner Regulation of collagen gene expression Dr Trudie van Rensburg Expression of hypoglycosylated angiotensin converting enzyme Dr Anne Smith Synthesis of 3-prolyl substituted lisinopryl inhibitors Dr Aloysius Nchinda The computer modelling and synthesis of C-domain selective ACE inhibitors Dr Shaun Cochrane Internalisation of the type 2 GNRH Receptor Divisional Contact Details
Postal Address: Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Town, Faculty of
Health Sciences, Anzio Road, Observatory, 7925
CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCES DIVISION OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY Head of Division: Professor Lafras M. Steyn Divisional Profile Members of the division of Medical Microbiology continue to provide diagnostic services, undergraduate and postgraduate medical student training, conduct research and provide training for science students interested in a research career. The composition of the Division is complex with staff drawn from the University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital and Red Cross Children’s Hospital and National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS). The microbiology diagnostic laboratories are located at the two hospitals, while the molecular research laboratories are located in the Institute of Infectious Diseases Building, Wernher Beit South, Health Sciences Campus. Aside from providing a full range of diagnostic services, the division is involved in clinical and diagnostic trials, investigating outbreaks of infection, and in defining the epidemiology of various infectious agents. Important areas of research focus on tuberculosis, bacterial antibiotic resistance, campylobacter infections and nosocomial pathogenes. A major effort is directed into developing novel vaccines and vaccine vectors. The division also has a highly cited site on the World Wide Web. Divisional Statistics

The Division of Medical Virology consists of three major research groups, namely, Viral vaccines group, HIV diversity and pathogenesis group and the viral biotechnology group. In mid-2004, the research groups after several decades in the basement and in the Wernher and Beit North have moved to the newly renovated Wernher and Beit South top floor. The clinical virology which was located in Wernher and Beit North for decades moved to the Groote Schuur Hospital under the NHLS umbrella. During 2004, Associate Professor Annalise Williamson was promoted to Professor. All the three research groups continue to receive funding from several different sources including SAAVI, DST Innovation Fund, CIPRA, Wellcome Trust, Doris Duke etc. In addition, the Division received funding for the purchase of a major piece of equipment to perform protein interaction studies. Members of the Division have been very active in the IIDMM administration, serving on the membership committee, the research committee, the finance committee and the DMAG. Members of the division were also active in organising conferences at the Wolfson Pavilion, namely “Introduction of new vaccines into the Expanded program on Immunization (EPI) in Southern Africa: public health, educational, and economical aspects”, the first international conference on natural products and molecular therapy. Divisional Statistics

Artz, L. 2004. Consultant to the Department of Justice on domestic violence courts and the drafting of magistrate’s guidelines for the implementation of Domestic Violence Act. Artz, L. 2004. Consultant to the Foundation for Human Rights and Social Surveys on a study
on the vulnerability of women in South Africa.
Artz, L. 2004. Consultant to the Child Justice Alliance on research design for monitoring the
implementation of the Child Justice Bill. Artz, L. and Moult, K. 2004. Guest Course Convenors for Specific Offences (CRJ 512H): Department of Criminal Justice, Faculty of Law, UCT. Artz, L. and Smythe, D. 2004. Consultants to the National Directorate of Public Prosecutions on sexual offences courts (attrition in rape cases). Artz, L. and Smythe, D. 2004. Submissions to the South African Law Reform Commission on Sexual Offences. Doolan, K., Artz, L. and Smythe, D. 2004. Course lecturers for Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence and the Law: Implications for Health Care Providers. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Convenor: Professor Lynette Denny. Maw, S. and Artz, L. 2004. Course lecturers for Understanding Gender. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Course Convenor: Professor Lynette Denny. Moult, K. 2004. Trainer and consultant to the Law, Race and Gender Research Unit on domestic violence and HIV. Smythe, D. and Artz, L. 2004. Consultants to the Open Society Foundation for review of women’s advice centres in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal UNIVERSITY PUBLICATIONS AND WORKS OF A POPULAR NATURE

Marshall ABE's Reading for Today's AdultsLevel 7.0 Story 19 West Nile Virus Pre-reading What do you know about the West Nile Virus? What questions do you have about it?Definitions: Potential – is able to happen; possibleCentral nervous system – the brain and spinal cord; contains millions of nerve cellsPermethrin – a widely used insecticide that has been classified as a carcinogen be

o read our disclaimer) Levothyroxine T4 refers to a synthetic chemical that mimics the natural chemical thyroxine. Thyroxine is secreted by the follicular cells within the thyroid. Scientists are attempting to perfect an artificial version of this hormone as a means of treating thyroid deficiencies or cancers in animals in the future. Currently, research into the development of levothyroxine T4